Can You Live Full Time Out of this Jeep Gladiator?

Does this Jeep Gladiator have all the off-road and overland upgrades to support a married couple and their dog on long expeditions and off the grid adventures? In this video, during the last day of my New Mexico trip, I take a few minutes at camp and take you on a tour of his truck and show you all the modifications he's done to it over the last couple years. We'll talk about the bumpers, lights, lift kit, wheels and tires, armor, bed rack, roof top tent, fridge and more.
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0:00 Introduction
1:07 Patriot Campers X3
2:26 Matt from Ozark Overland Adventures
3:57 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
5:27 Jeep Gladiator Snorkel
6:05 Sticky Vinyls
6:31 Relentless Fabrication Bumper
7:21 Yank'em Ropes
9:13 Wheels, Tires, Suspension
12:35 KC Pro6 Light Bar
13:50 Starlink
15:26 Jeep Gladiator Interior
17:07 Jeep Gladiator Rock Sliders
17:52 Extrusion Overland Bed Rack
21:13 Jeep Gladiator Storage, Power, Fridge
29:18 Diesel Heater
34:18 Regena Cooking Breakfast

[@brandonruhl1639]

Love your overland content. Can’t wait to see the progression on the Willys

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much! We really appreciate the support. My son is extremely excited to begin the transformation on the Jeep Willys and we've already had a few bit and pieces arrive. He's out int he desert currently with his brother enjoying the Jeep in stock form, but we'll have it in the garage this week and begin getting to work on it!

[@ahmednesbitte4906]

I love it when two my favorite channels collaborate and was very glad see you guys had a great time despite the cold. Thank you so much for what both channels do the for the off-road and overlanding community. 😊

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks!!

[@Nebraskagrassman]

Two great channels with such humble people that truly enjoy what they do and inspire others to just GO explore.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

@@Nebraskagrassman Thank you!!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@saiyuni2]

Matts Gladiator, he has put in a lot of work into it. But not for me, everything is covered in dust and no matter how well he has organised things it is chaotic. What his Gladiator does for me, is to reconfirm in my mind, how good a Wrangler with a Patriot Camper Trailer is. Everything is cleaner, more organised and ready from the get go. I really love the Aussie Patriot Trailers , WAY TO GO 👍

[@coltin4803]

As someone who lives in west Texas the joke is that you can experience 4 seasons in 1 day lol. Not to mention allergies with the dust can take a bit to get used to. Glad you guys are having an amazing adventure!

[@Justjeepingadventures]

There’s snow in Texas?

[@Bupkus68]

Great build. And you’re right about the Hot Head headliners - a must have and worth every cent

[@u.p.off-road8630]

Matt has a really great setup. It was cool to see his rig this past year at the Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks!

[@Nebraskagrassman]

So been looking forward to watching these videos from New Mexico with Matt from Ozark Overland Adventures. Crazy weather. Never think New Mexico would get a blizzard

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

It was a fun trip for sure!!

[@tzubieta001]

My wife bought the display bumper from relentless fabrication at overland expo west last year. Definitely top notch quality

[@andymckane7271]

Interesting video! Twenty degrees above zero would not be considered "bitter cold" in Montana or northern Utah in much of the winter. Having lived about 1/3 of my life in San Diego, and close to ten percent of my life in Hawaii, I do agree with you.....Twenty degrees is far too cold for my almost 75 year old body. You make many extremely interesting videos. Thanks to the four of you for doing this one! Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators forever! Andy McKane, Maunaloa, Hawaii.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! I can tolerate 20 degree weather, but they had some winds that were upwards of 30 mph this trip which really impacted our route and ability to find a camping spot... that's why they call it adventure!

[@DixieOverland]

I'm really impressed with that bedrack setup. I've been tossing around the idea of changing mine. Those folding side panels have me sold on it! Great video! Go get warm!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

The Xtrusion Overland rack is a game changer!!

[@TrailRecon]

I didn't even realize it did that until we were filming this... pretty cool feature.

[@davelier9572]

Curious why not just get a full topper that is weatherproof instead of a rack like that that allows water and dust intrusion? I am very curious. Great video by the way.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

@@davelier9572 I didn't want my tent up that high

[@hughwolfe1176]

Brad and Matt lots of great information, thank you for taking the time to share all of this and glad you enjoyed New Mexico. My wife and I just moved here from Arizona last year and it's been a welcome change.

[@sandmanpls]

Great video!!! Matt always gives his honest opinion on gear, that doesn’t break the bank. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@mattmentzer8610]

Pro tip for Matt on the heat loss from the long tube from the diesel heater. Buy a 4" dryer hose and 'sleeve' the 3" hose with it. Makes a double wall and reduces the heat loss *dramatically*.. and a super cheap solution. You're welcome. :) ...Matt

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Never thought of that. Great idea!!

[@TrailRecon]

Love this idea! Matt has me now convinced on the benefits of a diesel heater.

[@Justjeepingadventures]

@@TrailRecon I’ve been runner the planar for a while now. -14°C /6.8°F and on half it was toasty warm. At one point, I had to turn it down! On my channel too. Nice video Brad!

[@mattmentzer8610]

@@TrailRecon Yep. They are really good once you get one dialed in and integrated to your setup. I just have a cheap Vevor, but after about 10 nights or so with it and a few mods have it pretty well figured out. Sure beats the Buddy when dropping below about 45 or so.

[@mattmentzer8610]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures give it a try. I knew it should help, but was honestly surprised at the difference.

[@Jan-pw4po]

Great informative video, I like the cold when it's sunny,not when it's wet or snowing

[@mikegibson1321]

This is my favorite walk arounds you've done. I don't have a Gladiator but it gave me a lot of ideas for my Wrangler.

[@Coffeetableleg]

Just bought myself a gladiator and watching your videos and Ozark Adventures videos for quite some time now, I have so many ideas on how to get my build going! First camping trip later this month and hopefully a max-modular rack and Ironman 4x4 tent to start my first run with the new Jeep!

[@StickyVinylz]

Thanks for the mention on our Sticky Vinylz products, Matt and Brad! Glad you guys enjoy the textured vinyl. Both you guys are always killing it with your videos 👏🏽👏🏽 Brad, send us a message and let’s get some custom textured vinyl on that 392; would love to have you join the team, Master Chief! I’m a previous Sub ET btw 🤙🏽

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks guys!!

[@brianwadsworth5752]

Great video guys! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@PeterANewell]

This was a great video...awesome to see two people whoa re absolutely passionate about their travels get together!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! It was fun an interesting for me to hear Matt talk about why he's made the choices he has.

[@ReConGrpTx]

LOVE the rig walk around videos!! 2 GREAT channels, awesome people and fantastic content!!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thank you!

[@petersantulli2337]

Love this build! Great video, my 2 favorite overlanders together.

[@trove1312]

Super well setup Gladiator! Matt has done fantastic job setting everything up on it.

[@andresrivera2124]

ozark overland, my favorite channel , those guys are incredible , ❤❤❤❤

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks!!!

[@beerfrog_TheOriginal]

Video goes back to basics. Love it. Nice build and “on a budget” eg not all the more expensive “popular” brands.

[@lloydrage]

Great people hanging out! Huge fan of Matt and Cara. Love this video

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thank you!!

[@redneckwithajeep5001]

My two favorite overlanders collaborating! I can't wait to see this trip from both of your perspectives

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Coming Soon. Thanks!

[@johngrant1337]

I have lived in Florida for 64 years and love the weather. Good video Thanks

[@MrKim-kv2vv]

Sweet rig! Thanks for sharing, lots of info available for my Tacoma 👍🏻 🙋🏼

[@GATORADDAM]

Excellent! The Ozark dude isn't, let's say my style, but he did pretty good here. And he's living the dream for sure. Looking forward to seeing more of this trip.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks! Not everyone likes everyone and that's ok. It was an awesome trip!!

[@orrinbelcher6593]

A super cool and fun video, the best never rest, superbly done.

[@Vinsanity503]

Perfect video

[@larrybauerle4689]

Love seeing you guys together!!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

We love being together! Thanks!

[@danhoffman9392]

Just watched New Mexico and 15 trail tips. Awesome content and dedication to your craft

[@TrailRecon]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@user-vi3lx5mn9f]

Love your show Brad!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Frostytravels]

Awesome thanks for sharing. Miss the cold weather, living in Florida now we hardly see seasonal changes.

[@voodooranger6905]

I live in NY and ditto we basically now have three seasons. The local hockey pond didn’t even freeze this year.

[@munsami1990]

Bula good day mate always nice to see you guys 😊

[@GentleGiantFan]

Love Matt's channel. I remember the black JKUR he had. Lot's of good gear reviews too. Thanks Matt (and Brad)

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks so much!!!

[@JasonSnailer]

What a great video Brad.

[@markperza384]

Love you and Matts channel.

[@drmarkintexas-400]

Thank you for sharing ⭐🙏🇺🇲

[@rogerkrull1444]

Great walk around with Matt… follow him also.

[@samvigil9835]

Man I'm looking forward to your video. I live in Southern New Mexico and am new to the region. Can't wait to see what you found to do and do it myself.

[@TrailRecon]

Coming soon!

[@joyteruc9616]

i love your videos during pandemic i keep watching your videos here in singapore and I'm from philippines

[@TrailRecon]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@capt.stubing5604]

Brad, I’ve had three Pentestars and still have two, JTR Launch edition and 2017 GC Trailhawk. I love them all have been incredibly reliable and even the JTR on 37s and 4:88 has plenty of power with the 4 to1 transfer case.

[@voodooranger6905]

Yeah man. I have a 2014 Cherokee Trailhawk with the 3.2 liter. It’s got 124k on it and still as smooth as the day I bought it. (324 miles). I also have the 2022 3.6 JTR with 2k on the odometer. Hope this version is as reliable as the 3.2 has been. Maintenance is 🔑

[@tomassanesson902]

Sooo awesome 👍❤

[@israelfuster6479]

Wow it's Is beautiful place

[@israelfuster6479]

wow it's So beautiful there beautiful place to be

[@dylananderson9473]

This video was very informative. Have been debating a Gladiator to go with my JK. That aside, seasonal weather is bizarre here. Snow one day blistering Heat the next. You can definitely get off the beaten track here, so I was glad you enjoyed my backyard. Sand to Snow, Desert to Forest southern New Mexico is a really unappreciated offroad destination. If you ever head back out this way give me a shout Chief i can point you to some great destination

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you found it informative! We really enjoyed the areas of NM we explored and are looking to visiting again soon when it's a bit warmer, would love to hear your recommendations on places to explore. Thank you!

[@dylananderson9473]

I can follow your route rather roughly by the images you posted. You really went in a wide circle covering the ground you did. While not exactly an offroad destination i was surprised you passed up White Sands National Monument. The video visuals are stunning at sunrise and sunset and the ability to overnight camp make this a unique spot to overnight. Food for thought. Until last year i would have recommended the North Star Fire road that splits the Gila its an easy route with diverse topography ,elevation changes as well as vegetation (fern forest, high desert, riparian, forest ) However the area was hit with a massive forest fire last year that devastated a rather sizable area. Still, let me know what your looking for and i can definitely point you in the right direction.. Oh, for you and the misses, Gila Hot Springs for a good soak is nice overnight stop as well. (Carla and Allen Campbell , proprietors)

[@schweglerd]

I have a Midland GMRS, there's an auxiliary out port on the back of the radio that I hook into the auxiliary in port in the gladiator. That way you can hear the GMRS through the factory speakers.... you're welcome

[@christophermartinez5314]

Excellent video

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you very much!

[@bamslife2812]

dukes baby!! yall really do have good taste!!

[@carpathianoverland]

Nice ride brother!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thank you!

[@Urbanight]

I highly recommend a diesel heater. I have it in my Wrangler and I love it.

[@sallyjean873]

Two very informative overland channels!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks!!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you kindly!

[@uga.d4173]

Great video!

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks!

[@rbdworks4342]

Love watching both of y’all channels. Question about your camper, what lifts your awning up, and where can I find them?

[@Evan-L4570]

Those plants are mesquite bushes, they grow upside down in NM compared to TX, in TX they’re big tall trees but in NM they’re short and wide bush plants

[@TrailRecon]

I can tell you that I had way too many encounters with them running up and down the trail filming... not nice plants!

[@smandbrown]

Yes.

[@mrvoyagerm]

"Tow Strap?" Surely you mean your Matt's Offroad Kinetic recovery rope!

[@tacoma_jon]

Two of my favorite content creators and I’m a Toyota guy.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@granitesand78]

that's the coolest gladiator ive ever seen

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks!!!

[@bwofficial1776]

Gladiator builds are cool. For long range overlanding without much hard stuff, the Gladiator can carry more stuff and is more comfortable. I'm surprised that most Gladiator owners prefer an open rack over the bed instead of a commercial topper that would enclose everything while supporting a tent.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Toppers put the tent too high for most people. And the Gladiator can definitely handle the hard stuff!!

[@bubbasmith7068]

Great video Brad! You should consider an AEV fuel caddy for that 392. Just a thought. 🤙

[@J.Young808]

Elka has Toyota too. They are good for salty environments like here in Hawai’i

[@tdog609]

Truck is looking really good! Nice job.

[@KJ_mustang.04]

Welcome to my home state here in New Mexico and as a New Mexican apologizes for the weather, NM weather never behaves and it comes and goes but that's typical NM weather, other than that welcome and glad u had some fun in NM I'm from the north west here in Gallup and there are some good trails here in NM to check out and I'm still trying them out but planning on going on more trails here and my rig is a 2004 Jeep liberty (KJ) and it's still 100% stock but planning on upgrading so that I can tackle the Rubicon and Moab but in the mean time I'm enjoying my jeep how it is and have taken it on trails in my local area becoming more familiar with the off-road world and learning more about my jeep along the way, in my area there are some good trails that are good and one trail is a good one not as technical but considering I'm in the Navajo nation and with our native culture we have what we call the 4 sacred mountains and one of them is Mt Taylor just north of grants and it's a good trails to be on just to get into the off-road culture, an other trail that I have been was Mt Sedgwick south of grants and that one is a bit more technical but in all they both have been good day trips just to get out of town, in the very far future with time and me continuing to build my off-road rig and learning more about overlanding, and could take a trip and show more of the State and the culture we have here with the Navajo Nation and being known for the best chili's in the state with the red and green chili having the real authentic chili

[@TrailRecon]

We had a blast in NM, and looking forward to exploring more again... Oh and I need to find some of that chili!

[@KJ_mustang.04]

@@TrailRecon there r some good places but the best time to find them is our chilli season where we buy a box and have it roasted at the store and bring it home and it last us a good while, glad u had a good time here in NM and hope to see u along the trails in the future with my built jeep KJ after being more inspired by dirtlifestyle

[@jorgdettmann133]

Wellcome to Mexico. Bienvenido a Mexico

[@DirtPlease]

Good evening Brad!

[@homerfeltheim12345]

LOL the plants DO want to kill you. I live in southern Arizona and almost every plant has thirns

[@Flyboy-ww7og]

Maybe pass on to Matt this info. I HATE a dusty dirty box area with all my gear in it. I have been on a quest to find a solution to enclose the back end of the gladiator, have a fridge on a slide out and a roof top tent that when closed up is at the same level as the top of the cab of the truck. I think I have finally found the answer!!!!! American Adventure Labs is introducing what they call the LBE (Load Bearing Enclosure) This is my answer and I won't have to make it myself. Maybe this will work for Matt....

[@fiftyshadesofurban]

16:36 So those seats are the leather ones that you can choose when you build your own Jeep. They have two types: Perforated leather and.... non-perforated leather (it's not called that but I can't remember). They are IMO not as comfortable as the factory leather seats, which are the standard ones with the Rubicon stitching on them. Those look like maybe he had some custom stuff. I have seen many dealerships offer Katzkin leather .. I wasn't aware hey could do logos or had the Jeep logo on it though..

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

My seats aren't custom but they were the Katzkin option in 21. My wife has the standard leather in her 21 JLUR and they are about the same comfort level. I can't tell much difference in them other than looks.

[@damonoconnell2162]

OK all good info except where did Matt get those shoes?

[@llwood78]

Love my pentistar but at 80k miles I need to replace the oil cooler as its started to leak, which is a fairly common issue

[@gc638]

Awesome video and rig! Can you please type out the name of the green air compressor? Very interested. Thank you!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks! Its the MorrFlate 10-6

[@EigerSummitOffroad]

Two of my favorite KZbinrs! Great episode Brad!

[@voodooranger6905]

I have a 2022 JTR and honesty think it’s the perfect vehicle…gas mileage could be a biiiiit better though. But it’s all good 👍

[@vinuezaer]

Should of been called a Scrambler

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I agree.

[@obagolden7043]

😂😂😂😂

[@TrailRecon]

Love the CJ 8's!

[@dolguldur4706]

Yeah...the owner need it,to scramble and assemble his broken and fallen parts 😂😂

[@davidmonnin2792]

Love the Gladiator setup. Well thought out and executed. However, the dust and grime on everything in the bed would be a nightmare for me. Just hearing the grit in the drawer and fridge slides made me shudder. Seems to work for Matt and that is all that matters!

[@robertletulle]

matt, love the rig! im slowly trying to build my 2022 snazberry jt to overland some. what kind of matress is it that you have in the rooftop. thanks.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks! The mattress is by Lost Horrizon. I have a link to it in my In Too Deep video.

[@Enjoytheinbetween]

What a cool sounding guy and I love the modifications to his rig. Very nice!!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks!

[@Fairways-and-greens]

Good video and I love the patriot X3 camper! Can someone out there tell me if the Gladiator ride comfort better than my 2018 Jk. My JK with rough country lift and 35 s is reallly rough! Thx

[@TrailRecon]

With it's longer wheel base, the Gladiator is usually a more comfortable ride. But it all depends on the modifications you make.

[@JendellOverland]

Matt's Gladiator looks so much like mine. I love his channel

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks!!

[@JendellOverland]

@Ozark Overland Adventures hey Matt, what the make of that tailgate table? I couldn't make it out in the video.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

@@JendellOverland All Pro Off Road

[@mrvoyagerm]

Matt uses Pategonia 2s on the Morrvair to rescue people in mud or snow or........ so they must be good tires.

[@overland505]

Welcome to the land of enchantment again!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! We are looking forward to getting back there again.

[@KenGaska]

Trail Recon drinking game. Drink every time he says 'coffee'.

[@TrailRecon]

LOL!

[@SOGSEAL]

awesome video! im definitely getting gladi now. Is there a build video of that gladi or bill of materials ?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I have several build videos and full details on my channel.

[@SOGSEAL]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures omg i didnt recognize you :) going to dig through your channel more now :)

[@charleshicks3492]

Escape or endure; I’ve endured a lot worse when I was younger, and had my 72 Scout😎😎⭐️⭐️🤩❄️🥶

[@chillis28]

👍👍

[@Wi77iam]

I can confirm that the weather has been bipolar in NM. Lol

[@TrailRecon]

LOL! The winds was a big challenge for us on this trip, really impacted our route.

[@Wi77iam]

@@TrailRecon the wind can get crazy. Glad you guys had fun in New Mexico. Can’t wait for the rest of the videos. Semper Fi and thank you for your service!!!

[@squatch2461]

🍻

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

cool ..now if jeep made a fixed roof wagon/ or troop carrier panel van ....the car camper overlander I could build as I want a pop top no more than 119=120" wb at least 6-7' of cargo bay

[@Riquelmelunico10]

😊

[@goodinsrt8]

What's the difference between Rubicon trails and the oem rock rails?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Same thing

[@colinponiewaz2108]

Where do you get those patches for the headline

[@TrailRecon]

Hot Headliners

[@irvineyoung4545]

That Fairlead was Nate Pickel`s idea, but he had far too many projects so he asked Alan from Yankum ropes to make it.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

You are correct. and it's awesome!

[@inesedwinvelez1459]

👍

[@dols94]

I’d love to see that go through Pritchett

[@TrailRecon]

It should be a good challenge for his Gladiator, I know he'll have no problems and I'm sure he will be filming it.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I did Pritchett in it right after I got it. Not sure I had even made a payment yet. LOL. I broke a U Joint on Rocker Knocker and had to winch up the remaining obstacles. There's a video on it. It was 12 hours to do 4 miles in 100+ degree heat. It was a brutal day. lol

[@dols94]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures that is impressive man. Is the video only pro channel? I am going to check this out.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

@@dols94 Its on my channel. It's called I Broke My Gladiator on Pritchett Canyon.

[@johndc7446]

Jeep should make a daily driver, long distance travel, reliable version of the wrangler.

[@keithelder]

Great to see Ozark on your channel, great cross threading of channels!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

We had a blast together.

[@ehpetrel]

Why not the Allu-cab camper.? You said that you planned on that when you bought the gladiator

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

$$$$$ LOL. When we hit the road full time I'll probably switch to a GFC or Super Pacific. The AluCab is too heavy and bulky for me.